Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System01:16

Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System

4.4K
The accessory ducts involved in sperm maturation and transportation include the epididymides, vasa deferentia, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra. These ducts play a critical role in the maturation, storage, and transportation of sperm from the testes to the urethra, where it is then released during ejaculation.
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle. The epididymis can be divided into three main parts: the head, body, and tail. The head of the epididymis...
4.4K
Sperm Transport01:15

Sperm Transport

4.5K
The journey of sperm from its origin to the point of ejaculation begins within the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Here, Sertoli cells produce fluid that propels non-motile sperm through a series of conduits, starting with the straight tubules leading to the rete testis. This interconnected network of tubules acts as the initial pathway for sperm, guiding them into the efferent ductules and then into the epididymis for maturation.
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...
4.5K
Accessory Ducts of the Male Reproductive System01:25

Accessory Ducts of the Male Reproductive System

3.9K
The male reproductive system is a complex network of organs and tissues that work together to produce and transport sperm. The epididymis, vasa deferens, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra are the accessory ducts involved in sperm maturation and transportation. These ducts play a critical role in the production and transportation of sperm from the testes to the urethra, where it is then released during ejaculation.
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle....
3.9K
Spermatogenesis01:41

Spermatogenesis

124.5K
Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male...
124.5K
Spermatogenesis01:22

Spermatogenesis

10.6K
Spermatogenesis is a complex process that involves the development of sperm cells from undifferentiated stem cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. The process is essential for the production of mature and functional sperm cells that are capable of fertilizing an egg.
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...
10.6K
Testes: Histology01:27

Testes: Histology

3.5K
A tough, fibrous membrane, the tunica albuginea, covers the testes, extending inward to form fibrous partitions or septa, dividing them into internal compartments called lobules. Each lobule has 1 to 3 tightly coiled seminiferous tubules where sperm production occurs. These tubules merge into a tubular network at the back of the testis, known as the rete testis. It connects to 15 to 20 efferent ductules, leading to the epididymis.
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
3.5K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Going against the grain: Investigating C4 photosynthesis in the wheat grain with spatial transcriptomics.

BMC plant biology·2026
Same author

Spatial Transcriptomics of Developing Wheat Seed Reveals Concentric Gene Expression Zones and Subgenome Biased Expression of Key Genes.

Plant biotechnology journal·2025
Same author

Real-life users of hormonal or thermal male contraception: An analysis of female partners' motivation, experience, and satisfaction.

Andrology·2024
Same author

A systematic review of ultrasound-mediated drug delivery to the eye and critical insights to facilitate a timely path to the clinic.

Theranostics·2023
Same author

The Curiosity Rover's Exploration of Glen Torridon, Gale Crater, Mars: An Overview of the Campaign and Scientific Results.

Journal of geophysical research. Planets·2023
Same author

Geological, multispectral, and meteorological imaging results from the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover in Jezero crater.

Science advances·2022

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 19, 2026

Analysis of Epididymal Protein Synthesis and Secretion
10:23

Analysis of Epididymal Protein Synthesis and Secretion

Published on: August 25, 2018

9.9K

The human epididymis: its function in sperm maturation.

Robert Sullivan1, Roger Mieusset2

  • 1Département d'obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université Laval, axe reproduction, santé de la mère et de l'enfant, robert.sullivan@crchul.ulaval.ca.

Human Reproduction Update
|June 17, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Human sperm maturation occurs in the epididymis, but knowledge is limited. Studies suggest vasectomy can model epididymal obstruction effects, aiding understanding for assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Keywords:
assisted reproductive technologiesepididymisexcurrent ductsmale fertilitymale infertilitysperm maturationvasectomy

More Related Videos

Phosphopeptide Analysis of Rodent Epididymal Spermatozoa
09:30

Phosphopeptide Analysis of Rodent Epididymal Spermatozoa

Published on: December 30, 2014

13.6K
Mouse Models of Epididymitis Induced by Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns
08:30

Mouse Models of Epididymitis Induced by Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns

Published on: December 12, 2025

382

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Mar 19, 2026

Analysis of Epididymal Protein Synthesis and Secretion
10:23

Analysis of Epididymal Protein Synthesis and Secretion

Published on: August 25, 2018

9.9K
Phosphopeptide Analysis of Rodent Epididymal Spermatozoa
09:30

Phosphopeptide Analysis of Rodent Epididymal Spermatozoa

Published on: December 30, 2014

13.6K
Mouse Models of Epididymitis Induced by Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns
08:30

Mouse Models of Epididymitis Induced by Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns

Published on: December 12, 2025

382

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Andrology
  • Human Physiology

Background:

  • Spermatozoa gain fertilizing ability and motility during epididymal transit.
  • Human epididymal physiology is less understood compared to animal models.
  • Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) increasingly address male infertility, highlighting the need to understand sperm development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge of human epididymal physiology.
  • To evaluate the utility of animal models for studying human epididymis function and pathophysiology.
  • To inform responsible application of ART for male infertility.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search of PubMed using terms 'epididymis' and 'sperm maturation'.
  • Inclusion of studies on vasectomy consequences for the epididymis.
  • Analysis of molecular (transcriptome, proteome) and physiological data.

Main Results:

  • Human epididymis has limited sperm reservoir capacity.
  • Molecular studies show segment specificity but conflicting secretome data.
  • Fewer genes are regulated along human excurrent ducts compared to rodents.
  • Vasectomy/vasovasostomy proposed as a model for epididymal obstruction studies.

Conclusions:

  • Interspecies variability necessitates advanced molecular tools for human epididymis research.
  • Understanding human epididymal physiology is crucial for improving ART outcomes.
  • Further research is needed despite limited biological material availability.